September 24, 2020 Absentee ballots have been a hot topic this election season. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson sent out applications to all registered Michigan voters, asking if they would be interested in absentee ballots during this socially distanced year amid a pandemic. President Donald Trump has criticized Benson's distribution of the applications, but the legal system has been on her side. So, the applications went out and many, many Michiganders took advantage of the recently changed guidelines that allow for no-reason absentee voting in the state. It has led to pleas from local clerks to allow for more time to count the mail-in ballots. Officials have stated the lengthy counting process will mean delayed election results in November. But why exactly does it take so long to count those absentee ballots? READ MORE Citing a “dangerous reality” created by global climate change, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at making the state’s economy completely carbon neutral by 2050. “There’s no time to waste when it comes to fighting climate change,” Whitmer said. “We’ve got to act now." The order lays out the steps for the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to implement a plan for carbon neutrality within 30 years. It makes Michigan the ninth state to aim for the 2050 deadline. MORE ►Petitioners say 500k signatures gathered in effort to strip Whitmer of emergency powers It's almost time for the MLive Michigan's Best team of Amy Sherman and John "Gonzo" Gonzalez to hit the road in search of the most drool-worthy doughnut in the state. But before they set their travel itinerary, you have one last chance to vote for your favorite doughnut shop. Do you know where John and Amy can taste Michigan's Best Doughnut? Make sure to find your regional poll in this post and cast your vote before noon Friday. Let your voice be heard and your sweet tooth be fulfilled. Well, we just assume after you vote, you'll go buy some doughnuts. No? Just us? MORE As fall sports are now in full swing in Michigan, a group is continuing their calls for a reversal of the state's mask mandate for student athletes. Students participating in practice or competition for school sports (with the exception of swimming and socially distanced sports), must wear a mask at all times. About 75 parents who oppose the requirement for face coverings gathered on the State Capitol lawn Wednesday, holding sings and listening to speakers. It appears the opposition will not have an impact on the rules, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office recently said they anticipate no changes. MORE Everyone is wondering what will happen with trick-or-treating this year, as COVID-19 makes social distancing a priority. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified the traditional door-to-door candy gathering as "high risk." As people contemplate what will become of those typical tricks and treats, one Michigander is up to the challenge of reinventing Halloween for our social-distancing needs! This video submitted by Matt Thompson Woodworks shows off an awesome contraption that gets candy to kids and beer to adults.CHECK IT OUT ►Trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted houses 'high risk' this Halloween, CDC says Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive to your address book or safe sender list. |